Riding with Volcanoes

The drive we did yesterday, from Washington State to Oregon, on Interstate 5 that leads all the way to California, can be a bit dull. But volcanoes keep things interesting.

We start with Mount Rainier, our neighbor. I feel like I know every detail of the side I get to see everyday wherever I go. I notice the change of seasons with the levels of snow that never goes completely away from its top.

When driving South, Mount St Helen appears fast. Its depressed crater is a reminder that in 1980, it erupted in a disastrous way.

Then, when in Oregon, Mt Hood and its pointy summit is next to be seen.

Those volcanoes are part of the chain of Cascades and disseminated from Canada to the north of California.

The most dangerous one, according to scientists, is probably Mount Rainier, as it is located so close to Seattle and Tacoma. This volcano is also covered with glaciers that would melt if it erupted. 

Even with a simple leak of hot water, the melting snow and ice would create a lahar, a flow of mud thick like cement that would be extremely dangerous.  

We live in the shadow of the volcano.

Authorities recommend that everyone has an emergency plan ready, just in case. Still, it is difficult to see this so familiar mountain otherwise than a breath-taking  view intended to remain unchanged.

Beyond the clouds

Whether it is a shower of meteorites, an eclipse of the moon or some UFO, I have to use my imagination most of the times here to see anything beyond the clouds. Our Pacific Northwest is famous for its rains but New York actually receives more precipitation. However, we are the champions of grey sky throughout the year.

Still, I have been looking for clouds in the sky for the past few weeks. It is hotter than usual and wherever I go, I make sure I have an army of fans all around me to cool me off.

There are a few advantages to cloud-free sky. In July, the full moon was bigger than ever when raising behind Mount Rainier. It was one of those supermoons, closest to the earth on its ellipse.

On Thursday morning, I dropped Irvin off at the airport at 5 AM. He was on his way to Texas where a multicultural conference was waiting for him. I am not a morning person but the sunrise lights rewarded me on the way back home. I took this picture around 6 AM, near our home.

Yes, I could get used of the lack of clouds in the sky…